ISTANBUL

Australia on Wednesday directed the families of diplomatic staff in Israel and Lebanon to leave amid escalating regional tensions.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade directed the departure of all dependents of Australian officials posted to Lebanon and Israel due to the “deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.”

“The security situation in the Middle East is unpredictable,” the advisory said, warning that regional tensions remain high and there is a continuing risk of military conflict.

It cautioned that escalation could lead to airspace closures, flight cancellations and other disruptions.

Despite the call for evacuations, Australia’s embassies in Tel Aviv and Beirut remain open.

Voluntary departures have also been offered to dependents of Australian officials in Jordan, Qatar and United Arab Emirates.

The travel advice comes amid heightened tensions involving Iran, the US and Israel.

US President Donald Trump reiterated during his State of the Union address on Tuesday that while he preferred diplomacy, he would not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon.

Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Youssef Raggihas warned that the country’s infrastructure could be targeted if hostilities escalate.

Israel has continued strikes in Lebanon despite a November 2024 ceasefire with Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, the US has increased its military presence, deploying the aircraft carriers USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln to the region, alongside additional aircraft and forces stationed at bases including Al Udeid in Qatar.

Officials across the region have warned that any direct military action could trigger a broader conflict.